‘Rebels blocking Darfur peace’

The rebels say the government armed the mounted Arab militia, though Khartoum calls them outlaws. ‘‘It is obvious that the rebels feel that if they agitate enough they can force the hand of the international community and bring about an intervention on the ground,’’ said a western observer in Khartoum.

Khartoum has said it is improving security and aid distribution as it comes under increased global pressure to end fighting the UN says triggered the world’s worst humanitarian crisis and forced 1.2 million people out of their homes.

Abdel-Wahid Mohammed Ahmed El-Nur, a leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement, called for international forces to be sent to Darfur. ‘‘The US, UN, EU and the African Union must come to Darfur because the Janjaweed are attacking civilians and blocking supplies,’’ he said. —(Reuters)